Whether you an outdoor adventurer, enthusiast, or just a hobbyist, exploring the great outdoors can be one of the most valuable and educational experiences you can have. It can also be very expensive. Outdoor gear and apparel has been created to withstand the most rugged terrain and the dampest conditions, so understanding the benefits of pricier equipement as well as bargain gear can benefit you as an expert or a beginner.
REI, Mountains Plus Outdoor Gear, and Altrec all sell outdoor apparel and equipment, but when you read between the lines and explore their products lines, the services they offer and the selection of products can differ widely. Pricing can be inconsistent and products can be hard to find depending on the interface. Just remember that the experience should be easy, and it really shouldn't be an adventure trying to find the gear you need to go on adventure.

Altrec has outdoor gear from The North Face, Patagonia and other top brands
They have a good selection of women’s outdoor gear and popular men’s shoes
Okaley’s sunglasses, pet life jackets and rash guards for skating are all available there
You can find sports products in th... read more...

REI

REI is a widely popular outdoor gear and clothing company that prides itself on being one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For". They’re known for their conservation and humanitarian efforts nationwide, and they are striving to reduce the world’s environmental footprint.

REI sells products for a multitude of sporting needs:

Camping

Hiking

Cycling

Pet Products

Climbing

Fitness

Running

Paddling

Snowsports

Traveling

Mountains Plus Outdoor Gear

Mountain's Plus was started in 1995. It started out as a small business, being run out of garage. They have built up a personal relationshio with their customers, so they maintain that everytime you call, you'll be speaking with a dedicated team who can help you with their products. "Our team will bend over backwards to make sure that you receive the service you deserve".

Altrec

Altrec is located in Central Oregon and was created by some of the world's most notable outdoor explorers and enthusiasts: rock climbers, mountain bikers, skiers and kayakers. They pride themselves on being one of the worlds most pet friendly outdoor companies, and it certainly shows in the inventory they keep for our furry friends.

Altrec sells products for a multitude of sporting needs:

Camping

Surfing

Yoga

Pet Gear

Hiking

Cycling

Climbing

Fitness

Running

Paddling

Winter Sports

Traveling

Price Comparison

No products and companies are created equal, so to recognize the benefits and drawbacks of ordering from these three outdoor companies, let's look at how you can save, and where's the best place to do it.

Using three different popular items sold at all three comanies, let's look at how each company faired against its competition:

Cargo Boxes, Kayaks and products over 35lbs are not eligible for Free Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or any other location outside of the Continental United States. Express shipping such as USPS Priority, 2nd Day Air or Overnight are not available for these items

FREE Shipping on $48 orders limited shipments within the rest of the 48 contiguous United States

Large/heavy items may require additional handling charges as noted on each product page

Refunds and Returns

REI

You can return or exchange your item by mail or at any of our retail locations, regardless of whether you made your purchase online, by mail or in an REI store

Expedite an exchange by placing a new order with your bank card and returning the unwanted merchandise for credit. Please specify whether you would like an exchange, a repair, a refund or a bankcard credit

You can return REI-OUTLET.com purchases at any store or by mail

All sales are final on items purchased at Used Gear Sales at our retail locations

Mountains Plus Outdoor Gear

60-Day return policy. Returns must be in brand new condition with original tags and packaging intact

Returns may be made after the 60-Day period for brand new merchandise, but are subject to a 20% of total cost re-stocking fee

Exchanges may be made up 1 year after purchase date in brand new condition

Returns are accepted for a full refund as long as the returned product is unused, in original condition, and includes the original packaging and tags

Contact Customer Service to arrange for returns and to receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Please call 1-800-369-3949 with any question

See the Easy return popup screen on the homepage of Altrec for more details and restrictions on returns

Guarantee

REI

REI stands behind every items they sell. If you're not completely satisfied with your order, you can return the item for a replacement or return

Mountain Plus Outdoor Gear

MPGear offers a Worry Free Guarantee on all orders. If a product you purchase fails to meet your expectations, return it within 60 days of purchase for an exchange or full refund of the product purchase price. The item must be in brand new/unused condition with all original packaging

Altrec

Altrec claims to provide world class service, and by doing so, this means you'll be 100% satisfied or your money back. If something isn't right, they will accept your returns for a full refund at any time.

Perks

REI

As an REI member, you'll never have to worry about returning items with a receipt. REI always keeps a record in case issues do arise

REI member benefits also include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases)

These guys at MP Gear has absolutely been great!. If they ever need to have someone recommend their company and the staff, I am always delighted to give them the very highest possible recommendation. Thank you so much Mountain Plus for all you have done to make this a very good experience for me. I will be recommending you to all my friends. ~Gary

"MOUNTIAN PLUS sales product they DO NOT HAVE IN STOCK! And they give you dates that keep running. So it is like who knows!!!! If the price is to good to be true, it is from these guys.~Clampit

Here's what customers have to say about Altrec

I will never work for Altrec again.~Former Employee

I have only ordered twice from Altrec and will never give them my business again. I had a huge problem with a return and it took Altrec EIGHT weeks to process my refund (credit to credit card). I called, chatted and emailed and still no customer service.~Liz

I ordered boots that said they were in stock with two day shipping premium paid. It has now been four days, no boots. I sent an email question in, the response received was: "Thank you for contacting us. I'm not sure when the order is shipping. Once it does Columbia will send you the shipment confirmation email. Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.~Jason K

Contact Information

REI

From the U.S. and Canada call 1-800-426-4840, Monday through Sunday, 4 AM to 11 PM Pacific Time

Our Contact Center is open Monday through Sunday, 4 AM to 11 PM Pacific Time

Closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas

The Verdict

My Opinion: I'm preparing for a hiking trip during the summer, and I was heavily disappointed with the lack of lightweight gear. When you hike in environments of extreme heat sometimes it's beneficial to lose the high tech, heavy gear and put on something airy and light. REI needs to step it up in this department.

Lack of inventory from major name brands like The North Face and Columbia

Customer service hard to get ahold of

My Opinion: If your an avid outdoor adventurer, trusted names in outdoor gear is always something you look for when shopping online. This certainly makes Mountain Plus Outdoor Gear less appealing than its competitors. As a hiker myself, I was disappointed in the lack of trekking poles to choose from, as well as the price, which was close to $20 more online. Trekking poles are a must for hikers and climbers, so Mountain Plus Outdoor Gear might want to look into adding to that department, as far as name brands and lengths.

My Opinion: Regardless of their reviews, and let's face it, every customer has a different experience. I just like to see consistence in a company, especially as a business owner. If Altrec's reputation lived up to their selection of outdoor gear and apparel, they would be on top. On the other hand, as a pet lover, I really value this company's dedication to providing the best gear for pets as well as humans. Some of us can't leave home without our furry buddies and Altrec knows this!

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